Theatrefolk Featured Play – Arctic Adventure Theatre: The Case of the Crazed Crashers by Matthew Webster
Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. Arctic Adventure Theatre: The Case of the Crazed Crashers by Matthew Webster is an opportunity for BIG VOCAL CHARACTERS. Written in the style of a radio serial, this script is ideal for an online setting.
Welcome to Arctic Adventure Theatre! What is the frozen north to do when evil wakes from hibernation? And demands an invite to the Spring Extravaganza? How will they deal with this Predictable and Pernicious Party Crashing Polar Bear Plague! Issue the Peril Proximity Alert!
Why did we publish this play?
First of all, because it’s a radio play it’s ideal for production during these times. You can do it virtually or in a social distanced environment. Secondly, the play is written in a specific style, which is great for study purposes as well as performance. Lastly, great characters. I wish I could play them all!
Let’s hear from the author!
1. Why did you write this play?
I have wanted to write this play for a LONG time. I literally created the hero and villain characters of this play in the 80’s when I was in high school! Then the pandemic hit I realized it was a great time to write a radio play. I’m a big fan of classic serial radio shows and these characters were a perfect fit for that format. So following the style and structure of an old-timey radio serial, I created the support characters and devised a plot, and the story jumped off the page!
2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences.
A super hero play in the style of a classic serial radio show – Good vs. Evil at it’s campy, colorful best!
3. What’s the most important visual for you in this play?
There isn’t one! It’s a radio play!! However, the sound effects are VERY important, as is the music. Those are the technical elements that will create the locations and moods of this play. This play provides a great opportunity for experimenting with sound.
4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?
Make the characters as big as possible, but at the same time be truthful to the world of the play. Even though the characters are broad and campy at times, they are still earnest, so the actors should commit to the style of the play without becoming cheesy.
5. Why is this play great for student performers?
This play provides great opportunities for unique vocal work. Actors can make BIG CHOICES when creating the character voices. In fact, accents and cartoonish voices are exactly what the script calls for!
6. Do you have any tips or suggestions for those who are performing this play online?
This play is a radio play and was created specifically with online and socially distanced challenges in mind. It can be rehearsed and performed in person, as a hybrid, or entirely on line!
Get your copy of Arctic Adventure Theatre: The Case of the Crazed Crashers right here, right now!
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